Cesta Collective

The roots of each Cesta bag are planted in Rwanda, Africa, where fashion industry veterans Courtney Fasciano and Erin Ryder founded their newly launched handbag label Cesta Collective. Together, they've created female weaving collectives in Rwanda, where master artisanal weavers are provided the resources necessary to form fair wage cooperatives and to build future supply chains. The end goal is to empower female artisans, while creating supporting the country's developing economy, by way of beautifully made goods.

Each basket starts with biodegradable and sustainably harvested local sisal, which is hand dyed using organic vegetable dyes by a local Dye Master. After several days of drying, the dyed sisal is inspected and then woven into beautiful baskets over a period of 3 days. Then the handbags are sent to New York City, where Italian nappa califskin leather straps are attached and organic cotton drawstring liners are sewn in. 18k plated brass hardware is hand tooled and voila, that's how a Cesta bag is made.

Currently, there are three styles within the collection: the Lunchpail, the Crossbody, and the Ladybag. I personally love the striped Lunchpails, especially with the seersucker, gingham and striped cotton oxford linings . . . the only issue is actually choosing a favorite.